All Black Squad for Rugby Championship
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Looks fairly predictable. Vaea Fifita the "bolter" to the extent there is one - though that was fairly telegraphed. Nepo replaces Charlie - that's no surprise, question of whether he or Ofa sits on the bench, assuming Owen Franks is fit to play.
Jules out, NMS in.
They've made no call on the third first five - probably concluding that whomever the third choice would be (presumably DMac or Mo'unga) will be better off playing Mitre10 Cup than hanging around an AB camp. Call in one if they need him.
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Happy birthday Julian..
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@Virgil Ouch. Who would have seen this coming a couple years back. Looked like he was going to cruise to the try scoring record. May not happen now. Anyone know how long he is contracted for? No doubt there is probably an out-clause anyway.
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Pretty predictable squad overall. Not even the biggest Jules fluffer (I.E. me) could justify his place, his form and confidence have fallen off a cliff to the point that he is a liability.
I rate Jordie as a better first-five option at test level than Mo'unga and DMac so not surprised that's what they've gone with - the kid has big game temperament no doubt about it.
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I didn't listen to the announcement, but was anything said about what happens when Bender has time off? Will they bring in another player or given they have enough outside back stocks just keep as is and call in replacements on a case by case need?
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@No-Quarter said in All Black Squad for Rugby Championship:
Pretty predictable squad overall. Not even the biggest Jules fluffer (I.E. me) could justify his place, his form and confidence have fallen off a cliff to the point that he is a liability.
I rate Jordie as a better first-five option at test level than Mo'unga and DMac so not surprised that's what they've gone with - the kid has big game temperament no doubt about it.
I agree with both points. I didn't expect Jules to make the squad, but I am surprised NMS was picked ahead of him..
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@ACT-Crusader in about 5 minutes there is a press conference.
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@ACT-Crusader said in All Black Squad for Rugby Championship:
I didn't listen to the announcement, but was anything said about what happens when Bender has time off? Will they bring in another player or given they have enough outside back stocks just keep as is and call in replacements on a case by case need?
DMac is cover for Bender and Moli is the apprentice prop for home Tests
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@mimic said in All Black Squad for Rugby Championship:
@No-Quarter said in All Black Squad for Rugby Championship:
Pretty predictable squad overall. Not even the biggest Jules fluffer (I.E. me) could justify his place, his form and confidence have fallen off a cliff to the point that he is a liability.
I rate Jordie as a better first-five option at test level than Mo'unga and DMac so not surprised that's what they've gone with - the kid has big game temperament no doubt about it.
I agree with both points. I didn't expect Jules to make the squad, but I am surprised NMS was picked ahead of him..
Hansen was pretty keen to get Skud back in there as soon as possible.
If anything it was probably Jordie Barrett that has kept Savea from being selected - and his form of course.
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well, what a huge number of surprises...
So we are effectively blaming Savea for fucking up the Lions series? No accountability
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So Jordie not seen as a cover for 10.
DMac as utility cover, mainly to cover for Bender, but who can cover 10 if necessary. For now, two first-fives are enough and they to intend to develop a third first-five over the next few years; they are also looking at Mo'unga.
Goodhue is in the queue, and more seen as someone for the future.
Great to see Moli as apprentice.
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@mariner4life said in All Black Squad for Rugby Championship:
well, what a huge number of surprises...
So we are effectively blaming Savea for fucking up the Lions series? No accountability
If we're talking about accountability then SBW should be nowhere near this squad.
